A LOOK AT THE AZTECS

San Diego State should be in the mix for another Mountain West football title if the offensive line comes together and an improved defensive line provides a solid pass rush. But a group of inexperienced cornerbacks remains a concern heading into the season.

What to expect on offense

Based on what we’ve seen in the spring game and fall scrimmage, SDSU’s offense should be fun to watch in 2013.

New offensive coordinator Bob Toledo brings his West Coast offense to the Mesa, complete with an ample supply of trick plays that he swears you will see in games.

Quarterback Adam Dingwell has established a smooth rapport with receiver Colin Lockett, and if the retooled offensive line can buy the quarterback time to throw, that should pay nice dividends with some long bombs into the end zone.

Oh, and there’s also Adam Muema. Remember him? The tailback who ran for 1,458 yards in 2012? Muema is well-rested and ready to go, and that yardage total should increase now that he is the featured back.

What to expect on defense

In 2012, SDSU struggled behind a young defensive line. In 2013, the Aztecs’ troubles are in the secondary, where they will debut new, untested cornerbacks who were unimpressive in the fall scrimmage. Still, that’s the only Achilles heel of a well-stocked defense that returns nine starters.

The D-line is bigger, faster and meaner, without the pass-rush problems from 2012. The safeties are a veteran group led by preseason All-Mountain West selection Nat Berhe. But the crown jewel of the defense is a fearsome linebacking corps that includes Jake Fely, Nick Tenhaeff and Derek Largent.

The playmakers

Adam Muema, Jr., RB: He leaped into the Aztecs’ record books as the back with the highest yardage-per-rush-attempt (6.13) in school history. He had two 200-yard efforts last season, and 38 percent of his carries resulted in gains of at least 10 yards. Expect Muema to build on that in 2013.

Colin Lockett, Sr., WR: He had 970 receiving yards in 2011, but managed only 293 last season. Still, if the fall scrimmage was any indication — two TDs, 227 receiving yards, four receptions — he could be in for a big year. He needs just 50 yards to become SDSU’s career kickoff return yardage leader.

Jake Fely, Jr., LB: Loud, fast and imposing despite his 5-foot-10, 220-pound stature, the middle linebacker is the soul of the Aztecs’ defense. The preseason All-Mountain West selection led the Aztecs with tackles for losses (11.5), sacks (7) and forced fumbles in 2012, and was named the team’s Defensive Player of the Year.

Schedule

Saturday vs. Eastern Illinois

Sept. 7 at Ohio State

Sept. 21 vs. Oregon State

Sept. 28 at New Mexico State

Oct. 4 vs. Nevada

A rematch of 2012’s thriller in Reno. After starting QB Ryan Katz broke his ankle in the first quarter, backup Dingwell threw three touchdown passes and completed an end-of-game two-point conversion to Adam Roberts to give SDSU a 39-38 win.